It’s size that changes the experience

We know that in the government, possibly because of the size, the right hand often doesn’t know what the left hand is doing.

Are are the rest of us better?

Do large, profitable and professionally-run organisations offer a smoother experience than the silos of a bureaucracy. 

Here’s my experience of the Airtel web site that makes me wonder.

 

Retrieving an MMS from the web

It started with the following message from AirTel:

There is an MMS message for you. at http://www.airtel.in/mms/ Your Passcode is: c6s8**

Okay, I knew these were pictures sent by a friend, so I followed the url.

Oops:

The requested URL /mms/ was not found on this server.

---

IBM_HTTP_Server Server at www.airtel.in Port 80

 

Activating MMS on the phone

Maybe the url had changed. We know it happens.  So I look around and find this:

Getting Started
You'll need a compatible mobile phone to send and receive picture messages. To Activate MMS, send "MMS ACTIVE" to 121. Requires MMS enabled handsets. If your friends don't have a picture messaging phone, you can still send them a picture message. They'll receive a text message asking them to go to a web address where they'll be able to enjoy your message online.

:: Airtel :: Postpaid Mobile - Mail & Messaging Services.

 

All right, I send the SMS to 121 requesting activation of MMS, but get this response:

Welcome to My Airtel. Make a selection
1-For Billing
2-For Payments
3-For Bill Plan
4-For Do Not Disturb
5-For Help

Great!

 

Trying something else

 

So I give up on MMS, but continue to look around and discover something different but useful:

Access via PC

Access Airtel Msgr via your PC or Laptop:Instant chat with friends with any mobile number in India. Airtel Messenger on your PC offers many reasons for you to get hooked on. Foremost, it lets you send messages to any Airtel mobile number in India , for free. GET CRACKING, MAN!

Download NOW!
Click here to download AirTel Msgr.

:: Airtel :: Postpaid Mobile - Mail & Messaging Services.

 

OH, but “download AirTel Msgr” link brought in a completely useless zipped folder called mysites! :-(

 

 

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